
| New Guinea Rust Orange
Selenocosmia dichromata These are ground dwellers from tropical western New Guinea. They have a beautiful salmon colored carapace and velvety black legs and abdomen. Very sleek looking! They were members of the Chilocosmia genus until 2000. |
Range: Western New
Guinea
Habitat: Tropical
forest floor.
Size: Medium tarantulas
that get about 5-6 inches in legspan.
Attitude: These
tarantulas and others of their subfamily are rumored to have stronger than
average venom, so prudence is advised. Like a cobalt blue,
they are very secretive and defensive. Mine tends to stop moving
when watched and readily retreats to her burrow at the drop of a pin.
Dwelling: Burrows
in moist soil
Ideal Setup: A container
of approximately 3 to 5 gallons filled deep with moist substrate for burrowing
and perhaps a shelter. As they are burrowers, depth is actually more important
that horizontal "floor room". Like many Asian terrestrials, giving
them the proper environment will help them to thrive, but also ensure that
you don't see very much of them. Supply a water dish and lightly
moisten the substrate once or twice a week or so to keep a good amount
of humidity. Keep the temperature around 75-80 degrees F if possible.
Food: Any bugs that
haven't been exposed to pesticides (equivalent of 3-5 crickets a week), pinky mice, etc.
Be mindful of food remains in such a high humidity environment; remove
them promptly to prevent fungus growth.
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